Decided to Come Here?

Already Here?

How to Get Started

Congratulations! You've decided to come to
BYU! What now? What are the next steps?
Three of the most important things to know are how to
sign up for classes, what you must do the first few weeks at BYU, and how to choose
a research advisor.

Signing up for
Classes

As a BYU student you have access to internet services under the
umbrella of
"Route Y".
You should have received an account number and password to gain access to it.

There is a heading called "School" in Route Y. Within this is a link called "AIM".
This gives you links to all registration functions and information. You should explore theses
links as soon as you can.

The courses you need to take depend on the degree sought and your area of emphasis.
But regardless, there are three courses you will take your first semester:
Physics 601,
691R,
and 696R.

Physics 601 is the first semester of mathematical physics. This and the second semester
of mathematical physics, 602, are the only core physics courses required of all students. Physics 691R
is a one-hour colloquium held every Wednesday at 4:00 pm in room C215 ESC. Physics 696R is a one-credit
hour pass/fail course taught by the graduate coordinator (Dr. Moody) designed to help you transition
into graduate school. You will take this course your second semester as well.

You should also sign up for two more courses chosen from the
required courses
for your area of emphasis. You should consult the advisor assigned to you in deciding which
courses to take.

Your First Two Weeks

You must come to BYU a week before classes begin for teaching assistance training and to
take the qualifying exam.
All students need to be trained as teaching assistants
regardless of their first assignments. At some point while at BYU we expect everyone will be a TA.

Consult your acceptance letter for the time and place of the TA training and qualifying exam.

Choosing a
Research Advisor

Most of you were admitted with an expectation of doing research in a particular area and were assigned a faculty mentor
in that area. Indeed your funding may be tied to being in that area. You should attend research meetings to get
to know the professors and their research. You should approach the professor you want to work with to see if they
can advise you. Do this within a month or two of arriving at BYU (or earlier). It is your responsibility to
approach them but their decision to work with you or not. All advisors must also be approved by the Graduate
Committee Chair.

We expect you to stay in the area into which you were admitted but understand that interests can and do change.
Changes within 6 months can usually be accomodated. After that, it becomes more difficult. So think hard your first
semester about who you want to work with and what you want to do.